Choosing the Right Environment for Recovery
Choosing the Right Environment for Recovery
1
Avoid swimming pools. Chlorinated water can lead to complications with your surgery. Wait two weeks before wading in chlorinated water. You can, however, wade in the ocean beginning 10 days after your surgery. Wait at least one month before engaging in real swimming in either a pool or in the ocean.
Saunas and steam rooms should also be avoided for about one month.
2
Stay out of direct sunlight. Following the surgery, you will need to keep your head protected with a hat or other loose head covering when going outside. The first three months following the procedure are a crucial time for scalp healing, and sunburn could damage the surgery’s results.
Sit under a sun umbrella if visiting the beach or pool.
If going outdoors, use a clean cotton cap, scarf, or bandanna to keep the transplanted area protected from the elements.
3
Avoid physical activity. The day after the surgery, you will still be tired from the sedatives you received during surgery, and could injure yourself if you attempted to play sports. Sports like baseball, football, and soccer run a high risk of injuries to the head, and should therefore be avoided for at least six months following the operation. Your doctor may also advise avoiding sexual activity for at least 10 days after surgery.
Even without direct contact, the increased blood pressure to your head during intense physical activity could cause transplants or incisions to bleed. Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least three weeks. Exercises like situps, squats, and bench presses could strain your neck and lead to scarring or post-surgical complications.
A few days after your surgery, you can engage in light physical activity like walking around the block, lifting very light weights, and climbing stairs.